GRP composites extend fire protection time

Zhongyi has
developed fire shelters made of high-performance composite materials that keep
the contained equipment below its maximum permissible operating temperature for
a defined period of time while providing a corrosion-resistant alternative to
metal in the oil,gas and petrochemical industry.

Most oil,gas and
petrochemical processing composites place operational safety at the top of
their agenda,and are constantly evaluating ways of further improving their emergency
management systems and plant infrastructure.

One aspect that is
currently receiving particular attention is the fire protection afforded to
critical on-site safety equipment.The longer equipment such as valves and
actuators in emergency shutdown systems and fire response systems remain
operational in the event of a fire,the greater the likelihood of averting
disaster.

Zhongyi has
extensive experience in fire-resistant shelters,having manufactured units that
meet the German DIN4102-2 standard for more than 20 years.Instead of metal,the
company bases all its fire shelters on high-performance composite materials
comprising one or more layers of fire-resistant mineral wool between sheets of
glass-fibre-reinforced polyester(GRP).The shelters are specifically designed to
keep the contained equipment below its maximum permissible operating
temperature for a defined period of time.Its latest fire shelters are based on
a patented double sandwich design which uses special joining,sealing,bonding
and coating techniques to create a material that,in the event of a
fire,maintains its mechanical integrity and thermal insulation properties for
as long as possible, and degrades in a slow and predictable manner.

GRP is inherently
inert and unaffected by corrosion,making it a better alternative to metal in
many field equipment containment applications,especially those that demand a
long lifecycle under hostile environmental conditions.It has a similar strength
to stainless steel,but weights 75% less-an important consideration on offshore
platforms,where the weight of the shelter and its supporting structure is a
cost factor.